Studio Flash kit Training

[GordonS]

As everyone knows we have just purchased a Bowens pro flash kit and accessories. There are a number of issues the exec would like the members views on with regards to training and health and safety some of which were mentioned at last weeks demo by George and other members

It should be possible to utilise some free space within the Institute Hall programme to run some extra training on the use of the kit.

Are members interested in the Exec putting together a short series of evenings ( probably a Tuesday night ) in which members can have a hands on look at the equipment and have all the settings explained in smaller groups than was possible at last weeks introductory demo. I would envisage that we would have some means of accrediting members to be able to use the kit thereafter ( exactly how this will be done this will need to be agreed upon by members and passed off by the exec ). We also need to reach agreement under what circumstances someone can borrow the kit e.g. do we say a new member needs to be a member for a certain length of time before they can borrow it as well as having their competency assessed

If anyone has other issues that they feel we need to address please feel free to post them here as well as commenting on the points I have raised above

[Dougie]

The only experience I have had with studio lighting has been at the club in the last couple of years. So I'll be more than happy to learn more on the set-up and care of the lights.

[otooleg]

Guys can I just add my two pennyworth........ Please remember that you would pay good money to receive training on the use of Studio Equipment - how to set it up and utilise it - and this service is offered free to club members, well free except for the usual £2 per night club fee!!!!!!!).

I also hope to have models available once the club members are sufficiently proficient in the use of the equipment.
We can either adopt Gordon's Tuesday suggestion or utilise the downstairs room on club nights where an alternative event is being held in the first floor room? Obviously I wouldn't want to detract from whatever event would be running upstairs but it all depends on demand.

I would hope to run these courses maybe once a month subject to demand.

This will only be run  if the demand is there and always subject to availability.

Kindest Regards

George

[Loobie66606]

hey ho everyone,just a quickie, as off to work yet a bloomingain.

studio flash trainin would be great, I dont think im personally going to et into portrature but learnin about the use of light through these sorts of nights i can then transfere it to the sort of work im trying to do. and try and work out if its possible to incorporate horses and soft boxes and studio lights rather than hand held flash! obviously not the clubs gear going near a horse.

so yea i think its a ace idea, but i dont mind if its a tues or a wed night. if there is enough people prob best to have it on a extra night and then people arent split between wanting to do both activities.

Louise

[Bobk]

Hi Yes count me in for the Flash Kit Training, Tuesday nights are fine for me. The more you can learn about all aspects of Photography the better a Photographer you will become. " I Hope ".  Bob Kelly

[craigt]

Count me in too, please   I'd definitely like to learn how to setup and use the new lighting kit.
Tuesdays may be possible but would need some notice to arrange babysitting cover.

Cheers!

Craig

[jimgreid]

Definately count me in. I could use the previous kit but it had its quirks and wasn't very powerful. This kit looks the bees knees.

[Gidders]

Tuesday night training is on for me - plus we could also address speedlight options as well if there was someone available to cover this toipic - I never seem to be able to produce decent flash photos.  Ian G

[otooleg]

Guys I am looking to form a sub group of the members who are specifically interested in this type of work - with the Exec's permission of course!

Consequently if and when I am allowed to do so I will be asking for interested members to sign up for membership of the sub group.

Kindest Regards


George 

[GordonS]

Can I just give my opinion for what its worth on the comments so far

Seems to be that the opinion expressed by most is that a Tuesday night would be the best option. Personally I think this is the best option as I would not like a speaker for example to be at the club and have a competing night down the stairs at the same time. We do not really have any spare Wednesday nights to slot something in before we finish for the summer. We do of course have another members night in April but we do not have enough room downstairs IMO to safely set up the gear and have 20 or so people milling about. It would be most beneficial to members to have smallish training groups on some Tuesday nights for them to go thro' the basics of seeting up and taking down the gear and tuition in what all the switches and knobs are for. This does take me on to the summer break and next session. We could have full set up training nights during the summer when we would have the use of the big hall and be able to experiment with our gear. I am at the moment giving some thought to next years syllabus. Do the members want more portrait nights slotted in next year and if you do do want say one every month for a few months or a block of three of four all together ?

We do need to go thro the proper channels tho' for securing an extra night on a Tuesday. I will contact the Hall coordinator with our request and don't really see much of a problem getting an extra night. The only thing we need to be specific on is how often ?

[Loobie66606]

hey, i think for gordons last few questions, im not sure abotu anyone else, id prefere one night a month, then for those who arnt as intersted in studio work its not as boring and it gives people a chance to work on any pictures taken and see when they would like to improve or if possible even practise on their own. I know id  prob need a week to work it all out in my head after a session as its not a area i know anything about! expecially working with people

I know that ill prob use everything i learn about light, shadow and backdrop and try and get myself a horse willing to stand beside a backdrop!

[Fred]

  Hi ALL Tuesday night training is on for me - plus we could also address speedlight options as well if there was someone available to cover this toipic - I never seem to be able to produce decent flash photos. may be 1 a month with couldalso be used for flash workshop

Cheers More Snow !!
Fred
 

 

[Steve]

 
Steady on guys! Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
1 The exec committee has to arrange and agree any additional nights with the Management Committee. Tuesday nights may not be available if the Guide Unit starts up again, as it is likely to do. The flash gear isn't going to run away - let's get the admin and other stuff in place first.
2 We need to cost this out - it will almost certainly mean additional charges.
3 George is a bit premature in suggesting the formation of a sub group before the Exec has had a chance to discuss all the implications of additional nights. Remember we are a charity and we have to make sure that any activity we undertake is in line with our stated charitable aims, and forming a sub group may not fit in with that. We need to be careful.

[IanMc]

Hi all - Why the sudden frenzy on flash kit/studio training? The club has some new equipment but has had flash/studio gear for years!
Please bear in mind that we are a charity and received the grant to buy ALL club equipment and NOT solely for the benefit of members but to promote our charitable objectives - which simply put, means our members/club support to a range of other community /voluntary/ charitable organisations. Historically the club has been very good  at this! Since the resignation of the club chairperson - I feel somewhat guilty that I've not been around much as the vice-chair (due to work/family commitments!) - however there are a couple of important but boring things I'd like to get established fairly quickly to prevent me as a trustee of a charity getting sued etc.
1. I'd like ALL electrical equipment checked for safety at least once a year. Given the high, potentially lethal, discharge voltages and currents from both sets of Flash gear - I'm keen that risk assessment and basic training for safe use of such equipment is prioritised as a matter of urgency.
2. Studio flash is as much about still life/lighting as it is using people as models - nevertheless I'd like the club to have clear protocols about the engagement and use of models and what 'styles' are acceptable (or not) to a charitable club.
3. Even though we currently have no junior members - I think we need to update club policy on protecting young people/vulnerable adults - especially given that some models may be under 18.
Ian

[Willie]

Hi Ian and All, in the spirit of having a healthy discussion on the forum, I would like to say that I see it as members showing an interest in the new studio equipment.

The equipment that we had in the past was honestly not that good, the backdrop was full of mould damage, and only 1 (small) flash was working. This new equipment is a vast improvement.

Yes we are a charity, with objectives. Nobody is suggesting that we have exclusive rights over the kit. The club hasn't even had the opportunity to actually put it to use. In fact, I have not even seen it yet.

I agree with Ian on the following:

All equipment must be checked for safety once a year. We must have protocols as to the engagement of any models, and the purpose for any use of the club's equipment. We must have a policy on young people/vulnerable adults.
 
In addition, all protocols and policies and objectives must be published (on the website?), so that the club members and the public can see them.

The executive should work on this as soon as possible, and decide when and where and how the equipment is going to be best made available to the club members, and other community organisations. That is part the executive's function.

There is absolutely no reason to form any sub group, simply put, all members who want to try their hand at it, should have the opportunity to do so.

Now, let's go back to having fun with photography.

Best - Willie